HR Insights • 7 MIN READ
How to Get a Job in HR: 8 Strategies to Try
MAR 3, 2026
Breaking into HR can feel daunting. Here are eight practical strategies to help you land your first HR role or make the move from another discipline.
Why HR is a great career choice
HR offers a varied, rewarding career that combines analytical thinking with interpersonal skills. You will work with people at every level of the organisation, solve complex people challenges, and have a real impact on culture and performance. The profession is well-paid and in high demand: organisations of all sizes need skilled HR professionals, and the shift towards strategic HR means the ceiling for career progression is higher than ever.
Strategy 1: Get qualified
A CIPD qualification is the gold standard for HR professionals in the UK and Ireland. Foundation level is accessible to career changers with no prior HR experience and can be completed part-time alongside a current job. Associate level is recognised as professional status and opens doors to HR Advisor and HR Business Partner roles. If you are in the US, the SHRM-CP or PHR certification performs a similar function.
Strategy 2: Start where you are
The fastest route into HR is often through your current employer. Volunteer to support HR projects, take on people-management responsibilities, or shadow your HR team. Many organisations prefer to hire internally for junior HR roles because candidates already understand the business. Make your interest known to your HR director and ask what experience you need to make the move.
Strategy 3: Build your digital HR skills
Modern HR is increasingly data-driven. Proficiency in an HRIS (such as BambooHR, Workday, or SAP SuccessFactors), Excel data analysis, and people analytics will set you apart. Many free and low-cost courses are available online. Demonstrating that you can work with HR data and produce insights, not just manage processes, is a significant differentiator in 2026.
